Chinaski & Toyota: Band Gets New Fleet Including Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota Czech Republic has officially expanded its partnership portfolio beyond the realm of competitive athletics, equipping the renowned Czech band Chinaski with a comprehensive fleet of vehicles for their upcoming tour. The agreement, finalized at an authorized Toyota dealer, includes three Proace Verso personal vans, one Proace Max utility model, and the hybrid-powered SUV Corolla Cross. This move highlights the automaker’s strategy to leverage authentic stories and energy across different sectors, mirroring the approach taken with their established roster of sports ambassadors.

The inclusion of the Corolla Cross in the band’s fleet underscores Toyota’s focus on efficiency and reliability for high-mileage users. According to the announcement, the SUV was selected specifically for its hybrid drive, which excels in fuel consumption—a critical factor for a group spending the majority of their season on the road. The 2026 model year of the Corolla Cross has seen sensible upgrades globally, with reports indicating small MSRP upticks accompanied by enhanced specifications. These updates aim to maintain the vehicle’s competitiveness in the compact SUV market through improved intelligent technology and powertrain refinements.

Recent industry reports confirm that the 2026 Corolla Cross and Hybrid models have arrived with upgraded features consistent with the vehicles provided to the band. The model family has undergone comprehensive upgrades focusing on exterior design, interior quality, and intelligent technology. In various markets, the front face has undergone significant modifications to lower the visual center of gravity, while interior updates include larger infotainment displays and wireless charging capabilities. These enhancements support the demanding logistics of a national tour, where reliability and comfort are paramount.

Strategic Expansion Beyond Sports

While the partnership with Chinaski marks a venture into the entertainment sector, Toyota Czech Republic emphasizes that the core values of the collaboration remain aligned with their sports marketing initiatives. Michal Velička, Marketing Director for Toyota Czech Republic, noted that the cooperation represents a natural extension of activities outside the sports environment. He emphasized that the company seeks the same qualities in entertainment partners as they do with athletes.

Just like with our ambassadors, we look for authentic stories, energy and long-term partnership here.

Michal Velička, Marketing Director Toyota Czech Republic

This statement reinforces the brand’s commitment to its existing sports ambassadors, who remain a central pillar of their local marketing strategy. Toyota Czech Republic is recognized as one of the most active brands in the local market regarding partnerships, and ambassadors. The company maintains strong ties with several high-profile athletes who represent the brand’s values of performance and endurance.

The automaker’s sports roster includes speed skater and Olympic gold medalist Metoděj Jílek, who recently became the face of the brand. Long-term connections are also maintained with swimmer Barbora Seemanová and canoeist Martin Fuksa. The brand is associated with skateboarder Maxim Habanec and tennis player Barbora Strýcová. These partnerships underscore Toyota’s dedication to supporting athletes across a diverse range of disciplines, from winter sports to aquatic competitions and racket sports.

Tour Logistics and Band Perspective

For Chinaski, the new fleet addresses the logistical demands of their upcoming open-air tour. The vehicles will feature special livery with the motto A Few Friends on the Road, referencing an iconic song and the concept of the tour itself. The band members noted that their life is predominantly spent traveling during the season, making the choice of vehicle crucial for their operations.

Band life happens 80% on the road from spring to winter. In cars we spend the most time, we drive tens of thousands of kilometers per season and This proves next to concert venues with fans our favorite place.

Michal Malátný, Singer of Chinaski

Michal Malátný expressed enthusiasm about joining the Toyota world, looking forward to a long-term cooperation that extends beyond the current touring schedule. The band plans to visit 18 locations across the country during their open-air tour this year. The partnership aims to create shared experiences both on and off the stage, leveraging the reliability of the hybrid SUV and utility vans to ensure the tour runs smoothly.

The collaboration demonstrates how automotive partnerships can bridge the gap between sports and entertainment through shared values of endurance and travel. As Toyota continues to support Olympic hopefuls and established athletes like Jílek and Seemanová, the addition of Chinaski illustrates a broader application of their ambassador model. The focus remains on authentic stories and long-term engagement, whether on the ice rink, the tennis court, or the national highway system during a concert tour.